"Eat your peas," your mother scolded—turns out Mom knew a thing or two. Though they don't have the same rock star appeal as your flashier legumes (dried beans…you know the type, always hogging the spotlight), peas can still pack 'em in when cook comes to shove.

Here's a few of our Pea Hall of Famers, including a stellar black-eyed pea recipe with puckish capers and a delicious main dish made with plump, pillowy gnocchi.